Kilimanjaro
climbing 6 days Machame Route, the so known as “Whiskey” route which
means challenging route .Climb Kilimanjaro 6 day, Machame the best route.
It is the second most popular and one of the most scenic routes on the mountain.
All climbers sleep in tents (tents are included) and meals are served in a
dinner tent or on a blanket outside. It is done over 6 days, so acclimatization
is easier, and the success rate is fairly high. It is for physically fit people
with some hiking experience. Descent is down the Mweka trail staying at the
Mweka or Millennium camp the final night on the mountain. Bellow is 6 Day
Kilimanjaro climb-Machame route itinerary:

Day 1: Moshi – Machame camp

In
the morning, we depart from our base hotel at approximately 8:00 AM for the
Machame village where you begin the trek. From the park entrance gate
(Machame), you will walk for about two to three hours through a dense forest of
fig and rubber trees, begonia flowers, and other tropical vegetation. A stop
for picnic lunch will be made halfway to this evening’s campsite. As you
continue your ascent, you will find that the tropical forest has given way to
tall grasses and giant heather. You will be walking on a ridge, to the left of
which is the Semira stream, and on the right, the Weru Weru. Depending on the
pace of the climbers, arrival at Machame Camp is usually between 5:00 PM and
6:00 PM. Your camp is set up near some old metal huts, which were once used for
shelter.

This
initial stage of the climb is tranquil and relatively easy. There is no point
in rushing to get to the camp, as there is little to do there. Guides tend to
recommend a slow ascent, even at this point, for gradual acclimatization. Do
not try to keep up with your porters, who will usually bind ahead. Instead,
take time to admire the beauty of the rainforest. Overnight: Machame Camp (10,
000 ft)

Day 2: Machame Camp – Shira Camp

On
this and subsequent mornings, wake-up call is at around 6:00 AM. You will be
greeted with a steaming cup of tea or coffee, and weather permitting, by a
fabulous view of Uhuru peak. Today’s trek takes you up a steep track through a
savannah of tall grasses, volcanic rock, and bearded heather. You will
encounter giant groundsels as you hike through a ghostly landscape of volcanic
lava, caves, and foamy streams.

Lunch
will be taken just below the Shira Plateau, about three to four hours from
Shira Camp. The hike to the next campsite takes approximately six hours and you
should arrive between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM. Most climbers tend to pace
themselves, walking slowly and resting about every half-hour.

Overnight:
Shira Camp (12,500 ft)

Day 3:
Shira Camp to Barranco Camp

The
entire Shira Plateau greets you this morning with sweeping vistas across to
Meru and the Shira Needles. A steady walk takes you up to the pass at Lava
Tower (15,000 ft), where you stop to have lunch. Crossing the Bastains stream,
you will begin to descend towards Barranco Camp. The descent takes you along an
immense canyon called Grand Barranco. Along the way, you will see numerous
waterfalls, which are fed, by streams coming from the mountain, converging here
to form the Umbwe River. Your camp is set at almost the same altitude as the
night before. Today’s trek lasts for about six hours and arrival at camp is between
4:30PM and 5:30PM.
Overnight: Barranco Camp (13,000 ft)

Day 4:Barranco Camp – Barafu Camp

This
morning you begin your hike to Barafu Camp via Karanga Camp, which is on the
same altitude as Barranco Camp.

You
will encounter a bit of a climb at Barranco Cliff and spend the rest of the
trek climbing up and down the slopes of the mountain most of the way to camp.
The climbing is not considered difficult and you should arrive in time for
lunch (approximately 1:00PM) having trekked for about four hours.

In
the afternoon you have to hike in the Karanga Valley where giant Senecios and
lobelia grow; then continue with the scenic climb to Barafu which is mostly on
a moraine with a view of Mawenzi peak towering majestically to the right, and
overhead, Kibo peak seemingly just out of reach. The alpine desert terrain
encountered at this point is mostly a mineral environment with few lichens and
mosses. Climbers arrive at Barafu Camp at around 3:30PM. Climbers who choose to
ascend the peak will go to bed very early this night, as the next day is the
longest one. Overnight: Barafu Camp (15,200 ft)

Ascent to Summit (19,430 ft) / Descent

Day 5:Barafu Camp – Mweka Camp

You
will be awakened at midnight and after a light breakfast, start climbing at
around 1:00 AM. It is at this stage that the climb becomes much more difficult.
Here, very few will not be suffering from altitude sickness in some form or
another; and climbers should carry as little as possible on this portion of the
climb. Temperatures will range from -4° to 5° Fahrenheit. Making your way up a
path that is flanked by the Ratzel and Rebmann glaciers, you will climb for
about six hours before reaching the edge of the crater, between Stella and Hans
Meyer points. Another hour of climbing brings you to the summit. Uhuru stands
at 19,340 feet and is the highest point on the continent of Africa. The track
around the edge of the crater is rocky and icy. Concentrate on your feet, and
follow your guide very closely for this portion of the journey.
The descent is no easier than the ascent. You will reach Kibo Hut after about
three hours (around 11:30 AM). Climbers will be given the opportunity to rest
and have some refreshments before continuing on to Mweka Camp for the night.
Arriving into camp at around 5:00PM, you will have trekked a total of thirteen
hours today.

Overnight:
Mweka Camp (10,200ft) Mweka to the Gate

Day 6: Mweka Camp – Gate OUT

On the final day of the journey,
climbers descend from Mweka camp to the base. The descent to the gate will take
approximately 4 hours and climbers usually arrive before noon. Upon arrival at
the gate climbers will be rewarded with certificates attesting their success at
climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and then get transfer back to your base hotel.